Cyber crime competition launched in West Yorkshire (7 Sept 2017)

West Yorkshire Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner are
calling on schools to help in the fight against Cyber Crime.

The first ever cyber contest has been set up to encourage
students from years seven, eight and nine to create a product that
delivers key safety messages to help people stay safe online.

Teams can win a trophy and certificates as well as a tour of
West Yorkshire Police's specialist operations site at Carr Gate,
Wakefield. The Mounted Section, Dog Section and Helicopter are
based there.

And the product can take any form - for example an engaging
website, impactive leaflet, phone app or even a rap or spoken
message.

As part of the contest, schools will have to fully evidence that
they have evaluated their entry with a sample audience to make sure
it works effectively in delivering key safety messages.

Teams have to confirm that are taking part by Friday October 6
with entries submitted by Monday December 17.

Assistant Chief Constable Russ Foster of West Yorkshire Police,
said:

"Cyber Crime is a growing threat and it is important we all take
steps to make the criminals' lives harder.

"Young people have a part to play in helping to educate people
about the positives of the cyber world in which we now live but
also the risks that come with it. This competition aims to use
their knowledge and understanding to help others."

"We really want this competition to be a big success in raising
awareness and preventing cyber crime. However we can't do it alone
so we're calling on our local schools to help us.

"Cyber crime can have a truly detrimental effect on its victims
and tackling it is a clear focus for us and our partners. Young
people are crucial in helping us to tackle these issues, not only
will they raise awareness in in their schools and among their
peers, but they will also take it home and speak to their parents,
guardians and wider loved ones.

"The very best of luck to all those who enter and I look forward
to seeing the innovative, creative resources produced in a couple
of months' time."

Successful shortlisted entrants will be notified the week
commencing January 15, 2018, with the overall winners selected at a
prestigious Cyber Contest awards event, broadcast live on social
media on Thursday, February 8, 2018.

Letters have already been sent to all qualifying schools in West
Yorkshire inviting them to take part.